Where do we go from here? Tech and social trends for 2013

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

An opinionated look at some of the possible technological and social trends of the present and near future.

Thank You - 2012 in the rear view mirror

Rob Bernshaw on the road to the future

Rob Bernshaw, Columnist

This year-end column (or is it the start of a new beginning?) is the time for this writer to send out a great big ‘Thank You’ for all the readers of the Pincher Creek Voice with much appreciation for the time you all have taken to peruse the ‘Voice’ during the past year.

Geese poached within Fort Macleod town limits

Fort Macleod RCMP

On December 29, 2012 the Fort Macleod RCMP received a report of multiple dead geese in a field off of 18 Street to the North East of 8 Avenue in Fort Macleod, AB. Police attended the scene and located five dead Canada Geese near the ongoing infrastructure construction site within the Towns limits. The birds had been shot and the carcasses left in a pile. The hunting season for Canada Geese ended on December 21, 2012, and it is believed that the birds had been shot and left after this date.

The Fort Macleod RCMP is investigating this Poaching and ask that any members of the public with information regarding this incident contact Cst. J. D. SMITH of the Fort Macleod RCMP detachment at 403-553-7200 or share their information with Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Athlete of the day, December 28, 2012: Carl Tetachuk

Carl Tetachuk

The SCAHL (South Central Alberta Hockey League) has an annual all-star game, this year held in Okotoks. Each team selects two skaters from their own team that they want to represent them at the game. The goalies are selected based on votes conducted by each teams coaching staff throughout the league. This year Carl Tetachuk, Goaltender of the Peewee AA Golden Suns, was voted to represent the south team.

It is a great accomplishment for Carl and the Taber Golden Suns organization to have Carl represent the team at this year’s event, especially as a first year peewee. Carl has proven that he deserves to be in this game as he is extremely committed and motivated to do what it takes to improve and help his team win games. Travelling from Pincher Creek to Taber 3-4 times a week also demonstrated the commitment by himself and his family. I was thrilled to see Carl receive the recognition he deserves and I’m sure he will stop every puck that comes his way in Okotok’s. Congrats Carl.

Jon Ohler
Assistant Coach

Emergency Services responds to MVC on Highway 22

Chris Davis

On Thursday, December 27 Pincher Creek Emergency Services responded to a two vehicle collision on Highway 22.  A vehicle was turning off of the highway when it was struck from behind by another vehicle.  Lundbreck Fire and Pincher Creek Rescue responded, including two ambulances due to the details provided by the 911 call, which reported three injuries.  Emergency Services assessed four people at the scene, with two people then transported to Pincher Creek Hospital with undetermined injuries.  Emergency Services then performed traffic control on Highway 22 so tow trucks could clear the debris from the highway.

According to Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox road conditions were clear and dry, with lots of traffic traveling the highway.  Inattention is suspected to be a factor in this collision.

Emergency Services has also been responding to quite a few false alarms over the holiday season.

Out and about, Christmas 2012

Gingerbread houses: a Livingstone School tradition

^ The gingerbread houses decorated by Livingstone School K-6 students were once again donated by Kathy and Brian Gee of the Cinnamon Bear Bakery and Cafe in Blairmore.

Below: Photos from Livingstone School's Christmas spectacular

Local citizen Dick Burnham recognized for community service with Diamond Jubilee Medal

Dick Burnham and MP Ted Menzies at medal ceremony

A lifetime of extensive service in every community he has lived in has resulted in the awarding of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for local citizen Dick Burnham.  The medal was presented to Burnham at a ceremony conducted on Friday, December 21 by Macleod MP/Minister of State for Finance Ted Menzies at his Claresholm offices.

Reader urges Livingstone Range protection

David McIntyre, Letter to the Editor

David McIntyre photo

Dear Premier Redford and Minister McQueen:

Amid world-class beauty and full-spectrum ecological virtue, the Livingstone Range exemplifies Crown of the Continent intrigue.

As Christmas passes, the Livingstone Range remains unprotected, vulnerable to wholesale threats from low value—nickel-and-dime—industrial degradation.

Please protect the Livingstone Range today.

Sincerely,
David McIntyre

David McIntyre photo

Accident near Cochrane claims the life of Fort Macleod woman

Cochrane RCMP

Today, December 27, 2012, at approximately 1015 a.m., Cochrane RCMP were dispatched to assist EMS at a serious motor vehicle collision on Highway #1, east of the Scott Lake Hill.

As officers were en route, additional information was received that there was now a fatality involved, and that EMS had launched STARS to respond.  It has now been confirmed the accident claimed the life of a 69 year old female from Fort Macleod.  The 72 year old driver and husband of the deceased remains in hospital in serious condition.

Bantam Chinooks blank Lethbridge Silverbacks

Bantam Chinooks vs Lethbridge Silverbacks
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Pincher Creek's Bantam Chinooks hosted the Lethbridge 3 Silverbacks on Saturday afternoon, December 22.

Atom 2 Chinooks defeat Taber Oil Kings

Atom 2 Chinooks vs Taber Oil Kings
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's Atom 2 Chinooks hosted the Taber Oil Kings at the MCC arena on Saturday afternoon, December 22.  Associated players Rhett Fitzpatrick and Cory Dyck of the Novice Chinooks helped  fill out the Atom 2 Chinooks' roster for this game. Caleb Evans and Beyonce Crowshoe were playing their second home-game in a row after helping out the Atom 1 Chinooks in their game against the CNP Thunder.

Midget Huskies on another winning streak

Midget Huskies vs Warner
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's Midget Huskies ended the year with three wins in a row, starting with a 17-1 victory over Cardston on December 16.  On December 21 they hosted Warner at Pincher Creek's Memorial Community Centre Arena, winning that game 11-3.  They wrapped up the year with a 9-1 win against Kainai at the Kainai Sports Centre on December 22.  They're scheduled to host Picture Butte at the MCC Arena at 8:00 pm on January 4, 2013 with another home game scheduled against Taber the next day, January 5, starting at 6:30 pm.

CNP Thunder Atoms defeat Atom 1 Chinooks

Atom 1 Chinooks vs CNP Thunder
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis

Pincher Creek's Atom 1 Chinooks hosted the Crowsnest Pass Thunder Atoms at the MCC arena on Saturday, December 22.

The Thunder Atoms were fairly dazzling out there, scoring twice in the first period, twice in the second, and four times in the third period.  The Atom 1 Chinooks scored twice.  An unassisted Chinooks goal came from Rylan Bruns in the second period and Cade Ames scored in the third, assisted by Bruns and Sam Jordan.  The Atom 1 Chinooks were missing Trinity Tanner and Michael Kaupp so they enlisted the help of Caleb Evans and Beyonce Crowshoe of the Atom 2 Chinooks to fill out their roster for this game.

2012 Christmas Concerts

^ Santa visits with kids at Twin Butte's Community Hall after the
community Christmas Concert
C. Davis photo and videos

A Christmas challenge

Rob Bernshaw

Rob Bernshaw

Today is Christmas Eve in Alberta of 2012

For many people around the world Christmas is a holy time set aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, for others it is a time of making a list and checking it twice. For centuries these Christmas traditions (if that is an accurate description) take place in homes and communities all over planet earth and have become a household name in any language.

Even though this writer believes both ways of celebrating Christmas are an acceptable part and parcel of the season celebrated, also believes they are a catalyst for much more than a lot of us may realize during the rushing around and preparing for the celebrations at hand.


The job description of this writer's full time job entails being outside in subzero temperatures for extended periods of time in order to complete the tasks assigned.

Athlete of the day December 24, 2012: Rhett Fitzpatrick

Rhett Fitzpatrick

Rhett Fitzpatrick is a Grade 3 Canyon School student.  He plays for Pincher Creek's Novice Chinooks hockey team.  On Saturday, December 22 he played for the Novice Chinooks in Taber, scoring three goals and thereby achieving a hat trick in his team's 10-3 victory there before hustling back to Pincher Creek to help out the Atom 2 Chinooks, who were also playing a Taber team.  In that game Rhett scored two goals while playing with and against older and more experienced players.

5 goals in one day for two different teams!

Rhett loves hockey, and he also participates in judo and baseball, and is an avid PS3 game player as well.

An interview with Santa

Santa at the KBPV Christmas Craft Market
T. Lucas photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Santa took some time out while visiting with children at various Pincher Creek locations to talk about Christmas.  When asked what he preferred to be called, Santa said, "It really depends on where you come from in the world.  Most people call me by really nice names.  I don't mind which someone uses like St. Nick, or Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, I know who they are talking to."

In print: The life of rancher Wes Alm

Author and rancher Wes Alm
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas

Wes Alm and Annette Rush came to Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village on December 21 to promote Alm's latest book 'A Thousand Wishes Granted'.   The book came out in August of 2012, and is an autobiography of his life growing up, living and ranching in Alberta.  "Wes has had a lot of good things happen in his life, and he figures it had to come to at least 999," said Rush.   One exception to his wishes being granted was the loss of his wife Dix due to complications with Multiple Sclerosis.    Near the end of the book Alm writes that  one of his regrets was, "Not having Dix at my side to enjoy this book, our life's journey, and the fruition of all we strived for,"  Alm expressed appreciation for Annette Rush who has been with him the last 12 years.

Crestview Lodge holds combined December Birthdays and Christmas party

Celebrating their Birthdays at Crestview Lodge:
Rachel Dwyer, Bob Burles, Gertie Kettles and Mildred Allred
Connie Robinson photos

Connie Robinson, Contributor

On Friday, December 21 Crestview Lodge held their Christmas Party combined with a birthday party celebrating the residents who had birthdays in December.

Ceremony held to dedicate headstone for NWMP officer Archilles Rouleau

Chris Davis and Curator Farley S. Wuth

A ceremony marking the burial place of former Northwest Mounted Police (NWMP) officer Archilles Rouleau was held on Tuesday morning, December 18, 2012 at Fairview Cemetary, Pincher Creek.

Merry Christmas from Pincher Creek Emergency Services

Once again we’ve reached the end of another busy year for Emergency Services.

The dedicated members of the 3 halls in our service, both full time and on call, have done about 1200 ambulance calls and 150 fire/ rescue calls for the year.

Piikani Nation blockades Highway 3 to protest Bill C-45

Idle No More Piikani protest, Highway 3
C. Davis photos and video, except where noted

Chris Davis

Highway 3 was blocked today where it enters Brocket from the west by a peaceful but determined protest held by Piikani Nation members protesting federal Omnibus Bill C-45. The blockade began at about 9:30 am and continued until noon. Traffic was backed up for a long way in both directions, but a single lane was allowed to flow periodically, in part it seems to let emergency vehicles through.  At other times a round dance was held in the middle of the highway.  The blockade ended with a march back to the Piikani/Brocket townsite, led by local drummers with many vehicles full of supporters bringing up the rear.

Safe Smart Sledding Saves Lives

RCMP Alberta Media Relations

With the holiday season upon us, the RCMP in Alberta would like to remind snowmobilers to remain safe while they are having fun with their friends and family.

Athlete of the day, December 21: Tavin Evans

Tavin Evans

Tavin Evans wears #4 and plays defence for the Crowsnest Pass Peewee Thunder hockey team.  He was named Thunder Player of the Game after their game against St. Albert on Friday, December 14 at a tournament held at Canada Olympic Park.  He's a 1st year Pee Wee and has been playing hockey for 8 seasons.  He was awarded Crowsnest Pass Minor Hockey's Defenceman of the Year for the 2011-2012 hockey season.

Dragons Senior Basketball teams defeat Sabres and Hawks

Sr. Girls:  Hawks vs Dragons
C. Davis photos and videos

Chris Davis

The Livingstone Sabres Senior Basketball teams hosted their St. Michael's Dragons counterparts on Monday evening, December 17. On Wednesday evening, December 19 the Halton Hawks Senior Basketball teams also hosted the Dragons.

A win and a loss against Crowsnest basketball teams for Senior Hawks

Coach Randy Whitehead

Coach Randy Whitehead

The Senior Girls and Boys Hawks basketball teams played their Crowsnest Pass counterparts on Monday evening, December 17, at Crowsnest Consolidated High School.

Athlete of the day December 20, 2012: Johnny North Peigan

Johnny North Peigan

Johnny North Peigan wears #5 for the Piikani Junior A Boys Basketball team.  He put 100% into their efforts at the Livingstone Crossover Tournament held last weekend.  He shoots, he intercepts, and his teamwork and sense of humour on the court are infectious.

Johnny is a Grade 8 student in Brocket, and also enjoys playing volleyball, baseball, and hockey.

On the passing of Councilor Roy Smyth

Roy Edward Smyth (1940-2012)

Chris Davis

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Roy Smyth. He was in his 9th year as a Councillor for the Town of Pincher Creek when poor health forced his retirement from that position earlier this month.  "It's not just a loss to his family, it's a loss to the community," said Mayor Ernie Olsen.  He was very passionate.  He was on 3 or 4 or 5 boards for different things... he was on the community hall board, the museum board, he was always on the go.  Seventy two years old, and still running."

2012 Residential Winter Lights competition winners announced

The incredible display at 361 Canyon Street was deemed
the best in town 
C. Davis photo

Pincher Creek's annual Residential Winter Lights Competition was judged on Wednesday evening, December 12.

Athlete of the day, December 19, 2012: Ross Cook

Ross Cook

Ross Cook is a Grade 9 student at Livingstone School.  He wears #5 for the Livingstone Junior A Boys Basketball Team.  At their recent Crossover tournament he was an integral part of the team, scoring a total of 34 points in 4 games, including two 3-pointers, and often leading the charge.

Ross also plays soccer, basketball, volleyball, and he likes to hunt.

This week in the NHL

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Boxes of furniture found on Highway 3 near Brocket

Two boxes of furniture were located on Highway 3 near Brocket, Alberta.  The two boxes were turned into the Piikani RCMP.  If someone is missing the furniture they can contact the Piikani RCMP detachment at 403-965-2001.  Brocket is located approximately half way between Pincher Creek and Fort Macleod.  If someone is missing the furniture they must be able to positively identify it.

Rocky Mountain Swine Club report

Rocky Mountain Swine Club

Back row:  Tyson Goodreau, Nelz Vance, Lewis Anderson, Chaz Vance,

Front Row:  Levi Anderson, Alyssa Barbero, Blair Goodreau

Nelz Vance, Club Reporter, Rocky Mountain Swine Club

Let’s start with our year-end adventure last July:  Our club along with family and friend went to the Bull River and did some white water rafting.  We did level 1-4 type rapids.  The day was cloudy and cool, but we had all the right stuff on to make is an AWESOME adventure.  We also got to jump off 40 foot cliffs into the water, what a RUSH!!

Atom 1 Chinooks tie one and lose one at home

Atom 1 Chinooks vs Foremost Flyers
C. Davis photo

Pincher Creek's Atom 1 Chinooks played two home games last weekend, with mixed results, losing the first game to Vauxhall and tying the second against Foremost.

Atom 1 Chinooks vs Vauxhall Sabres

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Atom 1 Chinooks vs Vauxhall Sabres
J. Davis photo

The Pincher Creek Atom 1 Chinooks took to the ice on Saturday December 15, hosting their Vauxhall Sabres counterparts at the MCC arena. From the very beginning of the game the Sabres were skating confidently and playing aggressively, racking up more penalties than their opposition.

Athlete of the day December 18, 2012: Blaze BadEagle

Blaze BadEagle

Blaze BadEagle is a Grade 8 student in Brocket.  He also wears #22 for the Piikani Junior A Boys Hustlers basketball team, who participated in the Livingstone Crossover Tournament last weekend.  He says basketball is his favourite sport, and that's easy to believe after his notable performance at the tournament.  He scored 28 points in the Hustlers' game against Matthew Halton's Hawks, and showed a great deal of the hustle his team is named after.

In addition to basketball Blaze enjoys playing volleyball and baseball.  He said his most important priority is going to school to work on his education, with math being his favourite subject.

Hockey shorts, December 18, 2012

Novice Chinooks at Fort Macleod Tournament
Tanya Kipling photo

Novice Chinooks tops in Fort Macleod Tournament

Pincher Creek's Novice 1 Chinooks took first place in a tournament held in Fort Macleod last weekend. They played three games. In their first game they defeated Lethbridge 25-0. In their second game they defeated Calgary 8-2. In their final game they defeated Fort Macleod 12-3. Chinooks' Jaxon Shenton got his first goal of the season during the game against Lethbridge.

A Christmas Grudge

by Sid Marty

I went into a shop

To purchase some gum
And heard that tune about
The kid and his drum
That irritating repetitious refrain
Repeated constantly just
Drives me insane
It’s stuck in my brain
Pa rum pum pum pum

Each mall I go into
Pa rum pum pum pum
It’s like a broken record
I’m feeling glum
With earplugs screwed in tight
I must not succumb
I read the zombie-shoppers’ lips
And I’m stunned
The dead can still hum
Pa rum pum pum pum

So every Christmas brings
This grudge that I nurse
I know that cheerful lad
Would gladly play worse
Imagine if he played
The didgeridoo
Bounding through Bethlehem
On a kangaroo
Playing boo hoo
Boo wah boo hoo
To the five-hundredth verse

Happy 100th Mildred Allred

Mildred Allred with greetings from the Queen and birthday cake
C. Davis photos

Chris Davis

Crestview Lodge resident Mildred Allred was feted on the occasion of her 100th Birthday today.  Pincher Foundation CAO and Facility Manager Millie Loeffler asked her "How does it it feel to be a hundred?"

"It's great, I love it," she replied.

Loeffler presented Mildred with letters of recognition from the Governor General of Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Premier Alison Redford, and Queen Elizabeth.  Pincher Creek Mayor Ernie Olsen presented her with greetings from the Town.  "Well Mildred, it's an honour," said Olsen.  "To be a hundred years old... I don't think I'll make it to seventy.  I watched you walk over here, and I can't walk that well now."

Mildred Allred and Mayor Olsen

"I just want to thank you everybody,  all of you, for being so good to me," said Mildred.  "I enjoy being a hundred, and I guess that's what you're supposed to do."

"Congratulations Mildred, and I hope you have a hundred more," said Loeffler.  "I don't," retorted Mildred.   "What would I do with a hundred more?"

A rousing version of 'Happy Birthday' was sung by friends and staff,, followed by Mildred blowing out the candles on what turned out to be a delicious birthday cake.

Shhh…Santa’s elves have been spotted…

Photos courtesy of Pincher Creek Health Centre

^ Volunteers Edith Warkentin, Jenny Toews, June LeGrandeur, Maureen Rouleau, Sue Possnett, and Megan deBoer (Volunteer Coordinator AHS). Missing - Margie Laatsch, Joyce McFarland, Beryl Zoratti

Kerri Robins, Senior Communications Advisor
Foundations Relations, Alberta Health Services

Santa’s elves are everywhere; just when ya need’em. And busy...busy...busy…

“Obviously it’s no fun being in the hospital at Christmas,” said Jordan Koch, Site Manager, Pincher Creek Health Centre. “Hopefully our patients will feel the warmth of the season when they see what Santa has brought them Christmas morning.”

Santa has been busy but getting a little help from his friends.

“This is our first annual ‘Christmas stocking stuffers,’ and community volunteerism has been amazing,” said chief elf, Megan deBoer, Alberta Health Services (AHS) volunteer co-ordinator for Crowsnest Pass and Pincher Creek.

“We’ve stuffed 40 stockings for adults and five stockings for kids, and the nurses at Pincher Creek Health Centre will help Santa on Christmas Eve by handing them out to patients,” said deBoer.

While stuffing stockings for hospital patients isn’t a new concept, it plays out a little differently each time and never gets old. The brainchild of nursing staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital in the early ‘60s, it was funded by the Friends of Chinook Regional Hospital and the Hospital Auxiliary.

Athlete of the day December 17, 2012: Eric Cadonic

Eric Cadonic

Livingstone Sabres Jr. A Boys basketball team's #10 Eric Cadonic put on a clinic at their recent Crossover Tournament (click here for that story).  In the course of four games he scored a total of 85 points, including five 3-pointers and several penalty shots.  He made the long shots, and also thrilled the crowd a couple of times with last-second baskets, including one from more than halfway across the court about 2 seconds before the end of a game against the F.P. Walshe Flyers.

Eric is a Grade 9 student at Livingstone School and also plays volleyball, lacrosse, and video games.

Trees of Hope donations top $12,000 with Credit Union gift

Maggie Olson and Steve Barfuss (Foundation Trustees) with
Pincher Creek Credit Union Manager, Vicki French (centre)

As predictable as a visit from Santa, the good folks at Pincher Creek Credit Union can always be counted upon to show their support for the Trees of Hope campaign. Foundation Trustees Steve Barfuss and Maggie Olson stopped by with goodies, and accepted a donation of $3,500 from Pincher Creek Credit Union Manager Vicki French and her staff.

“The Credit Union are awesome community supporters, giving every year like they do,” said Olson. “What’s fun and special in 2012 is they helped us break the $12,000 mark in donations.”

Pincher Creek Credit Union has donated $3,500 to the Trees of Hope every Christmas for the past five years, bringing their total contribution to $17,500 since 2008. Funds have been earmarked this year for enhancements to the Emergency Department at Pincher Creek Health Centre.  "The renovations that are planned will provide greater privacy for emergency patients and their families, and will make the work area safer for everyone," Olson said.  

The campaign continues through the holiday season with donations accepted at Pincher Creek Health Centre. You can also give by downloading the Trees of Hope flyer at wshealth.ca. The new display created by Boulder Industries staff will be lit each night throughout the holiday season.

Donors may give in memory of a loved one, or as a holiday greeting to all. Wishes are written on special decorations and added to the tree on display in the foyer at Pincher Creek Health Centre.

“It’s just amazing and really gratifying how donations are pouring in, “Olson said. “I can’t wait to see where the total ends up this year."